Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT)

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The Division of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery provides medical and surgical treatment for children with routine and complex disorders of the ears, nose and throat (ENT), as well as head and neck tumors. Our physicians treat more children for ENT conditions than any other hospital in Illinois. In fact, our specialists perform about a third of the surgeries that take place at Lurie Children’s each year. 

Our patient care helps save and transform children’s lives. Our team of experts are all board-certified in pediatric otolaryngology, and all have completed extra training in subspecialty care. This means our physician-surgeons have capacity and expertise in more routine procedures such as tonsil removal and ear tube placement, and in more complex procedures and diagnoses such as airway reconstruction, sleep medicine, head and neck masses, sinus conditions and cochlear implantation.  

Our team, one of the most diverse pediatric ENT divisions in the country, also participates in research, helping lead the way in improving treatment for conditions and enhancing access to care. As researchers, our team speaks and teaches nationally and internationally, and we help train the next generation of specialists through our pediatric otolaryngology fellowship program. 


Conditions We Treat

Our pediatric specialists treat children for a wide range of conditions, both common and rare, including:

  • Ear infections
  • Recurrent sore throats
  • Snoring
  • Tonsillitis

See a Full List

Our Programs

Our division has developed specialized ENT programs to treat certain conditions in the most comprehensive way possible. Browse our list of programs to learn more about the expert-led initiatives that can help treat your child.

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Program 
Aerodigestive Program
Cleft Lip Palate Repair Program
Cochlear Implant Program
Endoscopic Ear Surgery Program
Head Neck Surgery Program
Microtia and Aural Atresia Program
Pediatric Thyroid Program
Robotic Surgery Program
Sarcoma Program
Skull Base Program
Tracheal Reconstruction Program
Vascular Lesion Center
Vascular Rings Program

Treatments & Procedures

Learn more about the treatments and services offered by the Division of Otolaryngology.

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Our ENT Specialists

Our entire staff is dedicated to treating infants, children and teens. The team includes:

  • Pediatric otolaryngologists​
  • Pediatric audiologists
  • Pediatric advanced practice providers
  • Pediatric anesthesiologists
  • Pediatric nurses
  • Speech and Language Pathology
  • Social workers​
  • Education coordinator (Cochlear Implant Program)
  • Translators and interpreters (including a full-time Spanish translator dedication to division) 

To provide coordinated care for our patients, our team members work closely with other pediatric specialists at Lurie Children’s, especially in the following areas:

The head of the division, Dana M. Thompson, MD, MS, is a board-certified otolaryngologist who completed advanced training in pediatric otolaryngology. She has more than 20 years of experience as a children’s ENT physician. She is an internationally recognized leader in treating children’s swallowing disorders and in reconstructing the trachea, such as in children with life-threatening narrowing of the windpipe. A renowned researcher and mentor, she has published more than 85 scientific articles and 20 book chapters and delivered more than 300 presentations related to clinical and scientific research, practice development, physician wellness and bias and equity in healthcare. 

Meet our Team

Why Choose Lurie Children's?

A multidisciplinary team of experienced healthcare providers will care for your child and help create a care plan. This team approach makes it easier for you to see every specialist your child needs under one roof and often in the same visit. 

Our expertise is broad. The Division of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Lurie Children’s houses one of the largest pediatric cochlear implant programs in the country; in fact, our pediatric cochlear implant surgeons have performed more than 2,300 implantations since 1991. We have an experienced complex airway program, cutting-edge sleep surgery options and one of the only pediatric 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Programs led by an otolaryngologist in the country. We also house one of the only skull base programs at a freestanding children’s hospital, and our head and neck surgeons are involved in writing and reviewing national clinical care guidelines for pediatric thyroid tumors. 

As a whole, Lurie Children’s is a kid-friendly environment that’s committed to family-centered care. We believe in family-centered care, which means we involve the whole family in a patient’s treatment plan.  

Our many family services include ParentWISE® (Parent Wisdom In Shared Experience®) to match parents of children who already had a treatment, such as cochlear implants, with those who are considering that therapy. 

Lurie Children’s is also a research center​, which lets us provide access to innovative treatments that are available only at a limited number of centers, through studies in patients (clinical trials). 

Make an Appointment

We offer easy online scheduling for your child's ENT needs. 

Training & Education

Our physicians help train the next generation of specialists in pediatric otorhinolaryngology. Through our partnership with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine​, we offer a one-year pediatric otolaryngology fellowship program.

Philanthropy

Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. Lurie Children’s relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for children. To learn more, please e-mail the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org or call 312.227.7500.